Jim Coda Nature Photography

March 20, 2011Uncategorized

Coyote, Point Reyes National Seashore

Photo of a coyote looking back at sunset. — Coyote at Sunset

I took this photo about a month ago at Point Reyes. I can’t remember the exact location, but it was shot around sunset. I usually miss sunrise at Point Reyes, but I try to always be there for sunset. It’s the best of times — for light and wildlife. When the sun starts getting low my senses heighten. It’s a feeling of anticipation. Something is going to happen. Something better happen. I need a good photo. I also know that many of the animals I like to photograph, such as coyotes and bobcats, are up and beginning to hunt. It’s time to crank up the ISO. Time to be steady. 1/30th of a second time. It’s make or break time. If I get a good photo of an animal at that time the day is a success. If I don’t, the day is usually a failure. I try not to let it get to me. But it does. Some. To purchase a print of this image click here.

March 18, 2011Uncategorized

Handsome Bobcat

I saw this bobcat for the first time a couple of days ago. He’s very well-marked. I’m used to seeing bobcats in Point Reyes National Seashore with little or no distinctive markings on the torso. This guy has very pronounced spots and stripes on his trunk. I think I’ll remember him as “Handsome Bob.” Unfortunately, Handsome Bob didn’t stop in the prettiest place. It looks like a badger has been through here shortly before Bob and really tore the place up. I saw a coyote stop here and hunt a couple of weeks ago. It must be (or was) a good spot for gophers and/or other rodents. Click here to purchase a print of this image.

March 17, 2011Uncategorized

Pack of Coyotes on the Hunt

Coyote Pack, Point Reyes National Seashore — Coyote Pack on Outcrop

I went out to Point Reyes yesterday afternoon. I saw four bobcats, although one was probably a double count. It’s hard to be sure. I saw no coyotes until the last hour of the day when I saw a pack of four. That’s the most I’ve ever seen there in a group. I think I saw three of these individuals a week ago in the same area. Unfortunately, when they got to this point they were too spread out to all be in the frame together. These two were in the lead. Are they the alpha pair? Click here to order a print of this image.

March 16, 2011Uncategorized

A Bobcat Moves Through a Grassy Field; Point Reyes National Seashore.

Photo of a bobcat walking across a field. — Bobcat on the Move

It is not unusual to see a bobcat at Point Reyes National Seashore. I have wondered how many there are in the Seashore. I don’t think anyone knows. Determining the bobcat population would be a lot harder than counting elk. Click here to purchase a print of this image.

March 11, 2011Uncategorized

Screaming Eagle!

Photo of a bald eagle screaming. — Bald Eagle, Alaska

In March I often think of bald eagles and Alaska. I went to Homer, Alaska, several times during the month of March to photograph bald eagles. The photo opportunities in Homer, and in the inlets and bays on the other side of Kachemak Bay, were unbelievable. For more images of bald eagles and info on these birds you can visit my portfolio site by clicking on “Portfolio” above and selecting “Birds of Prey.”

March 10, 2011Uncategorized

Upper Cataract Canyon Falls, Marin County, California

This is a view of the upper falls in Cataract Canyon. Marin County is not known for its waterfalls, but it has several. My favorite place for waterfalls is Cataract Canyon. It has at least nine waterfalls and all of them are worth photographing.

March 8, 2011Uncategorized

Coyote At Sunset

Photo of a coyote stopping in a rancher's field at sunset. — Coyote, Point Reyes National Seashore

I photographed this coyote at sunset. For landscape photography, sunrise and sunset are the best of times. You go to the place you want to photograph and wait for that yellow, orange and/or red light. Sunrise and sunset are great times to photograph wildlife as well. Unfortunately, a wild animal is not always in front of you at sunrise or sunset. So, when you have an interesting animal to photograph at those times you are fortunate. That’s all it takes for me to consider the day a success.